Revision connectors, systems, and methods thereof

Abstract

Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. One or more modular connectors has a first portion that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second portion that clamps to a second rod in a new construct such that the new construct can be extended from the existing construct.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A connector system comprising:
 a first threaded locking cap; 
 a first attachment portion having a first body portion configured to receive and secure a first spinal rod, the first body portion having a curved closed bottom portion and an open upper end for receiving the first spinal rod and threadingly receiving the first threaded locking cap to lock the first spinal rod to the first body portion, the first attachment portion having a longitudinal member extending from the first body portion and terminating at a free end; 
 a second attachment portion having a second body portion configured to receive and secure a second spinal rod, the second attachment portion having an opening extending therethrough, the longitudinal member of the first attachment portion is received through the opening of the second attachment portion, and wherein the second attachment portion is able to translate along the longitudinal member and rotate about the longitudinal member of the first attachment portion; and 
 a ball joint in the form of a single ring disposed in the second attachment portion and configured to receive the longitudinal member. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the free end of the longitudinal member is enlarged such that the second attachment portion is unable to be disassembled from the first attachment portion. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second attachment portion further includes a saddle having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface is configured to contact the second spinal rod, and the lower surface is configured to contact the longitudinal member of the first attachment portion. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the saddle is top loaded. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first attachment portion is a u-shaped tulip-style connector. 
     
     
       6. A connector system comprising:
 a first threaded locking cap; 
 a first attachment portion having a first body portion configured to receive and secure a first spinal rod, the first body portion having a curved closed bottom portion and an open upper end for receiving the first spinal rod and threadingly receiving the first threaded locking cap to lock the first spinal rod to the first body portion, the closed portion preventing any bone fastener to be attached to the first body portion, the first attachment portion having a longitudinal member extending from the first body portion and terminating at a free end; 
 a second attachment portion having a second body portion configured to receive and secure a second spinal rod, the second attachment portion having an opening extending therethrough; 
 a ball joint receivable within the opening of the second attachment portion, wherein the ball joint is a single ring; and 
 a saddle having an upper surface configured to receive a portion of the second spinal rod and a lower surface configured to contact the ball joint, 
 wherein the longitudinal member of the first attachment portion is received through the ball joint, and wherein the second attachment portion is able to translate, rotate, wag, and tilt about the longitudinal member of the first attachment portion. 
 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the ball joint has a spherical outer surface. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the ball joint defines a plurality of slits configured to expand and contract about the longitudinal member. 
     
     
       9. A revision system comprising:
 a first threaded locking cap; 
 a first spinal rod and a second spinal rod; 
 a first attachment portion having a first body portion configured to receive and secure the first spinal rod, the first body portion having a curved closed bottom portion and an open upper end for receiving the first spinal rod and threadingly receiving the first threaded locking cap to lock the first spinal rod to the first body portion, the first attachment portion having a longitudinal member extending from the first body portion and terminating at a free end; 
 a second attachment portion having a second body portion configured to receive and secure the second spinal rod, the second attachment portion having an opening extending therethrough; 
 a ball joint receivable within the opening of the second attachment portion, wherein the ball joint is a single ring; and 
 a saddle having an upper surface configured to receive a portion of the second spinal rod and a lower surface configured to contact the ball joint, 
 wherein the longitudinal member of the first attachment portion is received through the ball joint, and wherein the second attachment portion is able to translate, rotate, wag, and tilt about the longitudinal member of the first attachment portion, and 
 wherein when a locking member is secured to the second attachment portion, a downward force is applied to the saddle, which applies a force to the ball joint, thereby locking the position of the second attachment portion relative to the first attachment portion. 
 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , wherein one of the first or second spinal rods is a new spinal rod being implanted in a revision procedure.